Snake handler Oosie Oosthuizen captured a Cape cobra on Kommandant Van Graan Street, near the Albany Bakery, on October 26.

The homeowner became aware of the snake when the dogs barked at an electricity box, and told Oosthuizen it was making a “hoodie head” like a rinkhals and was yellow.

At first, Oosthuizen was unsure of the described colour, but when she responded to the call, it was a Cape cobra.

“It was a good surprise. I never thought I would capture one here,” said Oosthuizen.

The captured juvenile cobra is male and 110cm in length.

“We don’t get Cape cobras in our area. It is possible the snake escaped illegal captivity or hitched a ride in someone’s vehicle,” said Oosthuizen.

She said they are more common in the Free State, the North West and the Cape. The Cape cobra eats other snakes, rodents, birds and lizards and is highly venomous.

The venom can affect the nervous system, causing progressive weakness, respiratory paralysis, and can be fatal if untreated.

Unfortunately, the Cape cobra cannot be released locally. For now, it will stay with a permit holder. Oosthuizen said housing SA reptile species, such as a python, requires a permit. Other snakes, like the corn snake, that are not from SA, do not need one.

“As snake handlers, we must have a permit. Transporting a snake also requires one,” said Oosthuizen.

This was the second sighting of uncommon snakes in the area this year. The Ridge Times reported on a puff adder that snake handler Thiemo Pösch captured in June.

A technician found it in the engine protector plate beneath a vehicle that had returned from the Kruger National Park while servicing it. The snake was released back into its natural habitat in the Kruger.

Many people fear snakes, but they play a vital role in the ecosystem, controlling rodent and frog populations. Oosthuizen said snake repellents bought off the shelves do not keep snakes away.

“The only thing you can do is to keep areas clean and free of rubble,” said Oosthuizen.

Advice if you encounter a snake:
• A snake won’t hunt you but will defend itself if cornered;
• Fast-moving snakes, like mambas, can outpace a person but typically flee rather than attack;
• Upon seeing a snake, do not panic. Step back to a safe distance outside its striking range;
• Avoid shouting, making sudden movements or trying to touch or capture the snake;
• Keep pets and children away;
• Rinkhals, commonly spotted in the Teks area, can spit venom up to 3m with great accuracy. If venom enters the eyes, rinse immediately with water and seek medical attention;
• Keep track of the snake’s movements to help the handler find it;
• Do not kill the snake because they die slowly, and even a severed head can bite and inject venom for up to 24 hours;
• Call a snake handler for safe removal;
• If bitten, seek professional medical care. A photo of the snake will help doctors identify the appropriate treatment.

If you encounter a snake, call Oosthuizen on 076 051 0710, Pösch on 082 225 4264 or Hein Albert on 082 291 5344.